Severe gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been halted because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on today coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.